Phillies

Phillies Ink Deal With Luis Castillo

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Philadelphia Phillies have signed ﻿veteran second baseman Luis Castillo to a minor league contract. General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced the deal on Monday and said Castillo will report to camp as a non-roster invitee.

Castillo was released by the New York Mets on Friday.

The move shows the concern the Phillies have for Chase Utley. The All-Star second baseman has yet to play in a game this spring because of patella tendinitis in his right knee, and he is expected to open the regular season on the disabled list.

With only ten exhibition games remaining, Wilson Valdez is still the favorite for the opening day job at second base.

Josh Barfield, Pete Orr, Michael Martinez and Delwyn Young are also in the mix as possible reserves.

Castillo, who hit just .235 in 86 games last season with the Mets, has also battled knee problems in the past.